Tuesday, January 12, 2016

U.S. News & World Report ranks UIS online programs among the best in the nation

The University of Illinois Springfield’s online programs are among the best in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The 2016 Best Online Programs Rankings were released on January 12, 2016.

UIS received a top 30 ranking for all undergraduate degree programs and a ranking of 18 for the online Management Information Systems graduate business program. The online master’s degree in education was also ranked among the top graduate education programs nationally.

“The national ranking in undergraduate studies, as well as selected graduate disciplines, puts UIS among the elite in the U.S. in responding to student needs in our increasingly complex and connected online world,” said Ray Schroeder, UIS associate vice chancellor for online learning. “We continue to lead in bringing our campus to the students across Illinois or wherever they may reside through high quality online and blended learning programs.”

U.S. News & World Report looked at best practices and factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, and student services and technology in determining the rankings.

Over 300 UIS faculty provide high quality online education experiences for students across the nation and around the world each semester. Online Program Coordinators provide ongoing support to students throughout their academic programs. This support allows faculty and students to focus on engagement, interaction, and success in teaching and learning.

“UIS recognizes online learning is a significant component of our outreach to provide affordable access to students across the country and around the world,” said Vickie Cook, director of the UIS Center for Online Learning, Research and Service. “We are proud of our faculty and students who excel in teaching and learning online.”